“I think we can help you.” Those refreshing words from Jim Patterson, CEO of Five Star Environmental Solutions, Inc. became the turning point in the expansion of Kitsap Lake Baptist Church in West Bremerton.

The growing church had decided to upgrade and expand its building, originally built in 1952. With the addition of 3,600 square feet, another septic system was not going to work on the 1.8-acre parcel. Their only known option was to connect to the city’s sewer system, which came with a high price tag.

Still, church members felt led by God to enlarge their building’s capacity for ministry and worship.

They sought an easement from a neighbor in order to reach the sewer line, but after nine months of failed negotiations, the church’s construction coordinator, Bob Tulp, threw his hands up and said there had to be another way.

That night, Tulp, who is employed as the Public Works Operations Manager for the City of Bremerton, got on the Internet to look for alternatives. He found Five Star in his search and, noting it was in Kitsap County, sent off an e-mail.

The phone rang. “I think we can help you,” was the opening line from Jim Patterson that same night.

And did Five Star ever help!

Patterson described in some detail an innovative, state-of-the-art, complete package wastewater treatment plant, utilizing a sand filter disposal bed. Tulp was impressed, and brought the proposal to the church, getting a green light.

Five Star helped them locate a consulting engineer to design the system for the church’s property, as well as a contractor to install it. Tulp gave Patterson high praise for the number of hours given to oversee the process from start to finish. “He’s real picky,” said a grateful Tulp, who also serves as a Sunday school teacher and deacon for the church.

Five Star truly saved the day for Kitsap Lake Baptist Church’s remodel. They were able to get the outcome they sought at less than half the price, saving some $40,000, according to Tulp.

“With the Five Star onsite system, fully treated, nitrate-free, recycled water is returned to the local aquifer,” said Patterson. He described that with the lifetime, onsite sewer system, there are no big pipes carrying raw sewage great distances and no potential for sewage spills into the bay, making the local environment a winner here, too.

Five Star manufactures package wastewater treatment plants for individual homes, businesses and off-sewer developments. They can be reached at 360-297-3633 or fivestar@silverlink.net.